but goverr chris christie said today the distinction made little difference to badly damaged beach towns. >> those out there who are facing loss, devastation, and a heart-breaking reality that your home may be gone, we're with you. we have a long road ahead of us but i have complete confidence we're going to come out of this better and stronger than before. >> woodruff: there will be much to rebuild. the storm destroyed a large section of the famed atlantic city board walk and farther north 1,000 people had to flee their homes after the water charged over a burm. some people had to be rescued late last night in a town after failing to evacuate. >> i was scared i was going to drown. it was just crazy. i had a hard time getting out of my house. >> reporter: water went up to your neck. >> yes and sometimes over my head. >> woodruff: the giant storm's reach also extended up and down the east coast and far inland. to the north, strong winds and heavy surf did damage in new england. sparks flew from downed power lines in westport, massachusetts. in maryland, a power outage at a water treatment